Rosenstein Accuses Comey Of Becoming A 'Partisan Pundit'

Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein lashed out at former FBI Director James Comey on Monday in some of his first public remarks since leaving the Justice Department last week.

Rosenstein accused Comey of becoming a "partisan pundit" for criticizing President Donald Trump and members of the administration in the two years since he was fired as the head of the FBI.

"I do not blame the former director for being angry. I would be too if I were in his shoes," Rosenstein said in remarks to business and civic leaders at the Greater Baltimore Committee's annual meeting.

He added, "But now the former director seems to be acting as a partisan pundit, selling books and earning speaking fees while speculating about the strength of my character and the fate of my immortal soul."

The comments from Rosenstein come after Comey raised questions about his character and suggested working with Trump "eats your soul in small bites."

"Speculating about souls is not a job for police and prosecutors," Rosenstein said. "Generally we base our opinions on eyewitness testimony."

Rosenstein also defended the memo he wrote that Trump has cited as the reason for Comey's firing but criticized the president's handling of the former FBI Chief's dismissal.

The former Deputy Attorney General denied his decisions were based on partisan affiliation, arguing that "debating whose side I was on based on who seemed to benefit the most from any individual decision" uses the "wrong frame of reference."

Rosenstein called the decision to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign "justified" but also appeared to take credit for launching an investigation into the probe's origins.